A 21-year-old man from Karnataka tragically lost his life after taking part in a high-risk alcohol challenge where he consumed five bottles of neat liquor (without any dilution) in an attempt to win a Rs 10,000 bet.
The incident occurred in Mulbagal, Kolar district, where Karthik, the victim, accepted the dare from his friends, who encouraged him to prove he could handle the alcohol.

Karthik reportedly boasted to his peers—including Venkata Reddy, Subramani, and four others—that he could down five full bottles of liquor. The group, egged on by his challenge, promised him the cash reward if he succeeded. After consuming the alcohol, Karthik fell seriously ill and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to alcohol poisoning while receiving treatment.
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Karthik had only been married for a year, and his wife had given birth just eight days before the incident. Following the death, the police have filed a case at Nangali police station and arrested Venkata Reddy and Subramani. Authorities are still working to locate the remaining individuals involved in the incident.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the dangers of alcohol consumption, attributing approximately 2.6 million deaths annually to alcohol-related causes. The WHO also emphasizes that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, as even small amounts can lead to significant health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and other organ impairments.
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